Another form of prevention is the pessary (see cut). This is one of
the most common preventive articles used in France as well as among
the women of the middle and upper class in America. At one time the
cost of these ranged up to seven dollars, as they were imported into
this country from France. Today they are manufactured in this country,
and may be had from fifty cents up to two dollars. The Mizpath is the
name of one of the best and costs one dollar and a half at any
reliable drug store.
They come in three sizes--large, medium and small.
It is well to get the medium size, as the small ones are only for very
small boned women and easily get out of place.
[Illustration: French Pessary--slightly different from the American.]
In my estimation a well fitted pessary is the surest method of
absolutely preventing conception. I have known hundreds of women who
have used it for years with the most satisfactory results. The
trouble is women are afraid of their own bodies, and are of course
ignorant of their physical construction. They are silly in thinking
the pessary can go up too far, or that it could get lost, etc., etc.,
and therefore discard it. It can not get into the womb, neither can it
get lost. The only thing it can do is to come out. And even that will
give warning by the discomfort of the bulky feeling it causes, when it
is out of place.
Follow the directions given with each box, and learn to adjust it
correctly; one can soon feel that it is on right. After the pessary
has been placed into the vagina deeply, it can be fitted well over the
neck of the womb. One can feel it is fitted by pressing the finger
around the soft part of the pessary, which should completely cover the
mouth of the womb. If it is properly adjusted there will be no
discomfort, the man will be unconscious that anything is used, and no
germ or semen can enter the womb.
[Illustration: a--womb; b--pessary covering mouth of womb; c--vagina;
d--bladder.]
If the woman should fall asleep directly after no harm can happen, and
it is not necessary to take a douche until the following morning.
Take part or about a quart of an antiseptic douche BEFORE the pessary
is removed; after removing it continue the douche and cleanse
thoroughly.
[Illustration: Finger touching mouth of womb.
a--womb; b--mouth of womb.]
Wash the pessary in clear cold water, dry well and place away in the
box. One should last two years, if cared for.
I recommend the use of the pessary as the most convenient, the
cheapest and the safest. Any nurse or doctor will teach one how to
adjust it; then women can teach each other.
It is not advisable to wear the pessary all the time. Take it out
after using, and wear it only when needed. A little experience will
teach one that to place it is a simple matter.